LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Support for Cindy Friedman in senate race

Friday

May 19, 2017 at 1:27 PMMay 19, 2017 at 1:27 PM

Passing of Sen. Ken Donnelly

The passing of our friend, state Sen. Ken Donnelly, has left us with the need to ensure that all of the important and essential work he did for us in the 4th Middlesex District is continued. There is no doubt that Cindy Friedman, Sen. Donnelly’s devoted former Chief of Staff, is the best person to continue his work and the person he wanted to continue his legacy.

Over the years, I have worked with Cindy on issues that impact us in Arlington and issues that impact all of us statewide. As a result of her decades of volunteerism and her years as Sen. Donnelly’s Chief of Staff, in which she cultivated tremendous respect in the Senate, Cindy has developed a clear understanding and appreciation for the issues that impact our District, a strategy to work to obtain results in the Senate and an appreciation for those in our District, particularly those struggling to earn a living wage, those suffering from mental illness and those with substance abuse disorders.

Cindy also brings to the job private sector experience from her years as an executive in the high-tech industry. This experience complements her years of community activism, volunteerism and legislative experience to ensure that the 4th Middlesex District has a Senator with critical public and private sector life experience.

I am honored and delighted that my friend, Cindy Friedman, is prepared to accept the daunting responsibility of carrying on Sen. Donnelly’s legacy for us. Please join with me, my family and friends in voting for Cindy on June 27.

— Attorney Mary Winstanley O’Connor, Concord Turnpike

Cindy Friedman for State Senate

I have endorsed Cindy Friedman for State Senate in the 4th Middlesex race because she has the experience, skills and passion to serve in the seat, vacated by the death of Ken Donnelly. As Ken’s chief of staff, Cindy worked with him as a partner, combating injustice, addressing hard issues and framing legislation that truly served the needs of the residents of the district.

Cindy shared Ken’s passion for looking out for their constituents. She truly cares. With her background as an educator and a computer engineer, she also brings unique analytical skills and perspective to the table. She is respected by her colleagues, knowledgeable of both the needs of the district and the ways of the legislature. She will serve effectively from day one.

Cindy has championed a host of issues, including:

— Increased funding for district schools and local governments;

— Protecting workers and their families by ensuring a living wage and affordable benefits;

— Increased access to services and reducing the criminalization of those suffering from severe mental illness and substance use disorders;

If I lived in Precincts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7, I would want Cindy representing me and I would vote for her in the Special Primary, June 27.

— Jeanne Krieger, Webster Road

Cindy Friedman for State Senate

Two days before we tragically lost Sen. Ken Donnelly, I attended a Criminal Justice panel presentation in Arlington at the First Parish Unitarian Church. Cindy Friedman took the Senator’s place on the panel, due to illness. Little did we know he was on his death bed.

Cindy spoke eloquently and passionately about the senator’s bills and legislation on this subject, but what struck me most was her obvious deep understanding and knowledge of his positions. It was clear she was intimately familiar with his efforts to increase access to services, reduce the criminalization of those suffering from severe and debilitating mental illness and substance use disorders, to reform our criminal justice system and improve the lives of our most vulnerable residents without a voice.

Following the presentation, panelists broke off into small discussions groups. I went to Cindy’s; the room was full to capacity. Many worked in the criminal justice and mental health fields; quite a few were family members of loved ones incarcerated. She answered each question with details, facts and empathy.

Sen. Ken Donnelly was a legend in his own time, from fire fighter to legislator. I can’t imagine a better qualified individual to carry on his incredible legacy than Cindy Friedman. I urge you to vote for Cindy Friedman in Lexington’s election.